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Kids & Families

Kids & Families

Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Children

Feeding and swallowing disorders in children can impact nutrition, health, and quality of life. Feeding disorders involve difficulties with various aspects of eating, while swallowing disorders (dysphagia) affect the process of moving food from the mouth to the stomach. Signs include coughing, choking, and refusing to eat. Causes range from developmental disabilities to neurological conditions. Assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) includes evaluations of eating, oral hygiene, sensory concerns, and mealtime behaviors. Treatment aims to ensure safe ingestion and adequate nutrition, utilizing strategies like adjusting food textures and improving muscle strength. Teletherapy can provide personalized intervention, with a caregiver's support during sessions. Consult an SLP for evaluation and tailored treatment plans.

July 25, 2024

Early Language Development and the Role of Speech Therapy

Early language development, from birth to age 5, involves acquiring words, forming sentences, and understanding language. Some children may face challenges, such as limited vocabulary or difficulty following directions, which could indicate a language disorder. Early intervention, including speech therapy, is crucial for addressing these issues. Speech therapists use play-based therapy, parent coaching, and social skills building to support language development. Parents can help by talking about daily activities, reading together, and engaging in interactive play.

July 24, 2024

Understanding Early Intervention: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Development

Early intervention provides specialized services for children from birth to age 3 with developmental delays, promoting better outcomes in communication, social skills, and overall development. Addressing issues early enhances communication skills, improves social interactions, and supports academic success. Key focus areas include pre-linguistic skills, play skills, receptive language, and expressive language. Parents can support early intervention by narrating daily routines, encouraging play, reading together, and modeling communication.

July 24, 2024

Understanding Articulation vs. Phonological Disorders: A Guide for Parents

Articulation disorders involve difficulty producing specific speech sounds correctly, while phonological disorders involve patterns of errors affecting groups of sounds. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective treatment. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat both, using targeted exercises for articulation and sound pattern reinforcement for phonological disorders. Early intervention and tailored support are key to helping children develop clear, effective speech.

July 24, 2024

Understanding Organic Speech Sound Disorders: A Guide for Parents

Organic speech sound disorders have identifiable causes such as motor/neurological conditions, structural differences, or sensory/perceptual issues. Examples include childhood apraxia of speech, dysarthria, cleft lip and palate, and hearing loss. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat these disorders through customized therapy plans and provide support to parents for at-home development. Early intervention and tailored support are crucial for improving a child's communication skills.

July 24, 2024

Understanding Stuttering vs. Cluttering: A Guide for Parents

Stuttering and cluttering are distinct speech disorders affecting fluency in different ways. Stuttering involves disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions, prolongations, or blocks, often with physical tension. Cluttering is characterized by rapid, disorganized speech that can be hard to understand. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat both disorders, providing personalized therapy to improve fluency and clarity. Early identification and intervention can greatly enhance communication skills and confidence.

July 24, 2024

Literacy, Reading Readiness, and the Role of Speech Therapy in Creating Proficient Readers

Becoming a confident reader begins with early literacy and reading readiness skills, which are foundational for academic success. Speech therapy supports literacy by evaluating skills, developing phonemic awareness, teaching phonics, and expanding vocabulary. Parents can aid this journey by reading aloud daily, creating a literacy-rich environment, and engaging in language play.

July 24, 2024

School Age Language Disorders and the Role of Speech Therapy

School-age language disorders affect children’s ability to understand and use language, impacting academic and social skills. Early identification and intervention by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) are crucial for managing these disorders. Speech therapy provides personalized assessments and targeted interventions to improve communication skills, supporting academic success and social interactions.

May 4, 2024